Pre Euro Experience

Hello to all who care to read. I'm not exactly sure how to start a blog. Some of you know me too well and some may know me only through brief conversation's in passing. Either way, I feel as though I have an obligation to let whoever I've come across in life know exactly what I am up to. Obligation seems like too brash of a word. I actually enjoy sharing my experiences so feel free to exchange that word for whatever seems right for you. I'm not an English major so please no feedback on how bad my grammer may be.
After a wonderful summer in Winona I had the honor of making it to my sister Amy's wedding. Such a great event. My brother Tommy and I got to walk her down the aisle (beach) to her incredibly cool husband Eddie. So many good people there I just can't explain how much fun it was. Everyone did such a great job putting it together. It was the first time in a while that all of my cousins from my mom's side were all in the same place. I wasn't even sure if I was going to be able to make it there since most European teams start in early September, but I was lucky enough to find a team that let me stay until Sept. 14. Amy's wedding was on the 12th so I was very grateful that this team let me stay. A couple days before the wedding I was informed that I was going to get an extra week in the states. I was super excited, mixed with a bit of anxiety, not knowing why my stay was prolonged. I'm guessing it was due to financial reasons with flights. Either way, another week (with pay) to hang out with my loved ones was an added bonus. I also got to go to Amy and Eddie's reception in Steven's Point, WI and saw a lot more of my family on the Smith side. I feel so bad not being around the Johnsburg/McHenry area as much as I should. I'm waiting for the day scientists come up with a transporting device so I can get to more places in little time. That, or till the day I make millions and can jet all over the world. Too many good people in my life to only see once in a while.
After the wedding experience, I finally had to make my departure. This was a tough one. My parents and girlfriend Laura drove me to Rhinelander airport to say goodbye. They all did a great job of making me feel like I was doing the right thing. I expected my mom to cry a bit. She did great. Only a few tears. And Laura, the love of my life, (I know, I love a girl....that's soooo gay) also held strong. Some tears and a shaky hug goodbye made me feel so lucky to say that I have a perfect girlfriend who loves me so much that she is willing to let me go overseas to do the thing that I love for a living and have faith in me to do what I feel is needed for us to live a happy and worry free life. Bill was cool as usual, but hey, he's a guy. Not gonna lie, I was on the edge of tears but kept cool. The adventure I was going to embark on was one that so many people would love to have. As they left, I tuned in to some of my favorite songs on my Ipod and journeyed through the 10 hour travel day unaware of what this place called "Portugal" would have to offer.